The Inserted Order

Abstract

Appalachia is experiencing depopulation at a rate typically seen in regions affected by natural disasters or war. Part of the reason for this is its dependence on extractive industries, and as they declined, the region followed. These industries have left irreparable damage in their wake, yet as their grip on the region weakens, a bright new future is beginning to emerge. This thesis navigates a time where the region is reclaiming its independence from extraction and charting a new sustainable future. Left behind is an infrastructural and social framework that can be built upon to foster a vibrant alternative to increasingly drab city life. These towns are perfectly arranged to nurture diverse, close-knit communities, with a wide range of housing stock, walkable downtowns, and ample access to outdoor recreation. The issue is that years of deferred maintenance have led to the deterioration of the interior of many of these structures, making traditional renovation methods cost-prohibitive. However, the masonry shells remain largely intact, which is where this proposal comes into play. The inserted Order is a methodology for the strategic revitalization of the abandoned masonry buildings that plague Main Street Appalachia. The new is inserted into the old, respecting the historical significance of these buildings while providing an inhabitable space, reactivating the building as a public resource. The insert becomes a beacon for the community, offering a new way forward: a way to grow while respecting the place's culture and heritage.